Audi Q3 F3 35 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2018–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Audi Q3 F3 (2018-2025): known problems and buying guide

  Usable buy if the panoramic roof is dry and the 2022 rear window recall is checked; listen to the front end on a rough road.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Press the carpets and footwells on both sides, and look at the roof lining near the mirrors. Bad result: any damp carpet, water stain or musty smell.
2. Open the panoramic roof and press the seal edge at the front and rear. Bad result: a gap in the foam tape or a seal that is not flush. A seal fix needs a workshop.
3. Drive over a rough road with the windows shut and listen to the front end. Bad result: knocks over bumps or squeaks from the front. No scanner needed.
4. Ask for the front brake history and check the discs and pads. Bad result: discs or pads due soon, or a wear warning on the dashboard. No scanner needed.
5. Ask a dealer for all open recall campaigns by VIN. Bad result: any open campaign. No scanner needed.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions